Tag: author blog

Introduction to the Modern World of Day Trading Stocks by Alex Smith Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Alex Smith shares the dos and don’ts of day trading stocks and the path to becoming successful in the book “Introduction to the Modern World of Day Trading Stocks.”

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The Synopsis

Most people fail at day trading because they fail to educate themselves on what works and what doesn’t work. Becoming a successful day trader requires solid education on what works and what doesn’t work so you can double down on the former and avoid the latter.

In this book, Alex Smith provides the reader with factual information on what works and what doesn’t work in the modern world of day trading. A seasoned trader, Alex shares all the knowledge necessary for any self-motivated individual to begin their journey to becoming a successful day trader. He takes the reader on an 11-chapter journey that inundates them with everything they need to know to get started and grow their trading capital.

Once again, becoming a successful day trader requires solid knowledge of what works and what doesn’t work, and this provides economical access to such knowledge.

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The Review

This was a well-developed and thoughtful read. The author did a fantastic job presenting the ideas and work that go into day trading as an easy-to-understand process that appeals to newcomers and experienced day traders alike. The book’s practicality speaks for itself, often providing exercises and tools that beginners can use to better understand the practice of day trading.

The author also does a great job of demystifying the idea of day trading and speaking to the modern uses of day trading. For many, day trading is a risky and challenging job that only the rich can truly understand. Still, the author presents the tools needed to successfully navigate this world in a way that everyday people can put this into practice for themselves. The author also emphasizes the psychological impact this job can have on people, and the tools he uses to help manage the stresses and challenges make this a memorable book to read.

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The Verdict

Thoughtfully written, insightful, and engaging, author Alex Smith’s “Introduction to the Modern World of Day Trading Stocks” is a must-read guide to the complex world of day trading. The inclusion of day trading terms and their definitions, and the author’s ability to simplify many of the technical aspects of this profession, make this a remarkable book. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Alex Smith is an entrepreneur and self-taught investor, and the author of Introduction to the Modern World of the Stock Market.

His work is focused on investment and navigating the stock market, aiming to help readers build wealth, no matter their experience level.

Alex has over half a decade of experience in stock market investment and is of the firm belief that anyone can build wealth by investing in the stock market. Having participated as both a trader and an investor, he has a deep understanding of the intricacies of the market and has seen considerable success himself – so much so that he now has the freedom to retire whenever he wishes.

Aware of the fact that many would-be investors are put off simply because they don’t know where to start, Alex is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience with others to help as many people as he can to build their wealth and work toward financial freedom. Now dedicated to this mission, he writes both books and articles to help new investors. His website, acdspublishing.com, provides further information and guidance.

Alex is a husband, father, and grandfather… and a self-confessed foodie who loves to travel. He and his wife have visited 32 states in the USA to enjoy the local cuisines and take in the sights, and they plan to keep traveling – an opportunity his investment success has enabled.

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Interview with Author Jonni Jordyn

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?


I was first introduced to writing in high-school when a friend an I started making radio plays for our English class. For our class finale, we made a movie in which I also acted, directed and spent time behind the camera. In college, I always took creative writing classes and had some poems published.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?


The Diva of Mud Flats was inspired entirely by an idea I had for a character that was completely phony, yet actually attained some true notoriety, but couldn’t shake the false persona she created for herself. The other characters defined themselves as I created a story around her.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?


I hope readers will come away from reading my book seeing how stereotypes don’t define a person and how abusing power will always carry consequences.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?


I have written a lot of genres, but this was my first venture into romcoms. I wanted to write a genre bending story that included scifi, westerns, comedy and romance.

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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?


There are so many interesting and wacky characters in my book, that you could spend days interviewing them, but I might be tempted to sit down with Elizabeth, the diva’s personal manager, and the most normal person in the book. I would ask her how she can tolerate so much abuse from the diva. Answering this question was somewhat cathartic as I realized just how much she is me.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?


I stopped branding myself on Twitter and have built a small following on tiktok. I have hired a publicist and need to work with her on my social media, but you can find me on tiktok @jonni_jordyn.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?


I think it’s important for aspiring authors to recognize how creative they are. Natural creativity is very important for fiction, but other writers can still pursue a career in nonfiction. Still others may find their niche in editing and publishing. If you have that special spark, find your method, whether you are an outliner or a panster. Then learn how you like to polish it during revisions.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the h (horizon?)


I am currently revising an upcoming novel that I hope to have out by the end of the year. It will be the third and final book of my Virus series. Following that, I think I’ll finish the last book of my grill series, which I think has eight chapters completed. Then, I have to write the last book of my magic series. So, I’m planning out to the end of 2026.

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About the Author

Jonni Jordyn, an award winning American author born in Oakland, Ca, started out playing music at age two, and moved on to singing and acting in grade school. High School introduced writing and film making followed by drawing and photography in college. In other words, she had a VERY LIBERAL arts education.

Jonni published some poetry and some india ink drawings in literary magazines while in college, won critical acclaim for her acting in a cabaret theater, but was faced with a decision to pick out the arts she wanted to pursue.

Of all the available opportunities, music and song writing won the first round when she found herself performing with legendary stars of the sixties and seventies.

Round two began years later, after leaving California for Arizona. It all started with a blank piece of paper and the question, “how can I possibly write more than eleven thousand words for a single story?” A valid question which was followed up a year later with, “How did I ever write 160,000 words?”

Now, the writing comes much easier, but still there are questions like, “How will I ever get all these ideas written down?” followed closely by, “How many times can I edit the same book?”

Jonni currently lives in Colorado with her bird.

https://www.jordynatlargebooks.com/

Interview with Author Mark Everglade

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’ve always loved science fiction because it’s ultimately not about the future, but the present. Sci-fi represents the cultural weaknesses and problems of our present-day society, the failures of both utopia and dystopia. Sometimes it’s easier to see those things when they are pointed out on a fictional planet than in our civilization.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

KillSwitch OverKill was inspired by the need for redemption. We all want to believe that no matter what we do, that life will offer second chances and a chance to make things right. Sabrina in the novel had been manipulated by the false promises of a fascist regime, but works to use her tech skills to ultimately overcome it, in typical cyberpunk fashion.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

That friends are your chosen family and that people you once considered your nemesis can actually become your friend and have value to your life. They can be part of your progress or journey through this world, and a learning instrument. I’m reminded of the story of Buddha and Devadetta, for instance.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Cyberpunk is just cool. It’s sexy, sleek, metallic, retro-futuristic, noir. It’s in your face, unapologetic, blunt.

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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I would ask Sabrina Underfoot in my cyberpunk novel KillSwitch OverKill how being orphaned by her parents’ indifference impacted her life. And the challenges she faced as a child genius who was unappreciated, and taken advantage of by her teachers and others.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Twitter, though I don’t use it since Musk took over, as I don’t fund fascists and oligarchs.

The writing community was great on there, but ethically – people need to switch to a decentralized non-corporate platform like Mastodon and resist the Server State.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Build your author platform two years before your book releases, minimum, and socially network. Of course many of us authors are introverts, but we have to push ourselves to collaborate. You can’t do it alone.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I’m going to take a hiatus to focus on rebuilding family after some recent, tragic losses.

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About the Author

Mark Everglade has spent his life as a sociologist, studying conflict on all levels of society. He wrote Hemispheres to sooth our ideological divisiveness at a time of increased polarization as he explores how our underlying values are more similar than we think, regardless of how we look, act, or vote. An avid reader of science fiction, he takes both its warnings, and opportunities for change, to heart. His previous works have appeared in Exoplanet Magazine and Unrealpolitik. He currently resides in Florida with his wife and four children.

https://www.markeverglade.com

Black as Hell, Strong as Death, and Sweet as Love: A Coffee Travel Guide by Steven P. Unger (Photos by Ruth St. Steven) Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Steven P. Unger shares the long and storied history of coffee, as well as the travel experiences of consuming coffee on multiple continents in the book “Black as Hell, Strong as Death, and Sweet as Love: A Coffee Travel Guide.”

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The Synopsis

BLACK AS HELL, STRONG AS DEATH, SWEET AS LOVE: A Coffee Travel Guide, is the first and only book to trace coffee consumption from its origins in prehistory to becoming the world’s second-most-valuable commodity after oil—and to pair this history with replicable, affordable Coffee Experiences that provide a unique approach and added value to the readers’ destinations, no matter how many times they’ve been there before. This book is a multi-genre travel book with unique historical insights that immerse the reader in the culture of a country or city through the lens of the destination’s deep relationship with coffee. No other travel book has ever provided the kind of total immersion into a country or city—through histories, travel directions, one-of-a-kind photos, and recipes—that BLACK AS HELL, STRONG AS DEATH, SWEET AS LOVE: A Coffee Travel Guide, delivers in every chapter.

The timing is right for BLACK AS HELL, STRONG AS DEATH, SWEET AS LOVE: A Coffee Travel Guide, a history of coffee and a travel guide to Coffee Experiences on almost every continent. Plus, there are recipes.

Among the Coffee Experience destinations are places that almost no one goes to, like Ethiopia’s South Omo, and places masses of tourists go to, like Paris. Other Coffee Experiences are closer to home for Americans, as simple as sharing a colada at a ventanilla in Miami’s Little Havana; or taking the Canal streetcar to the end of the line, where Morning Call in New Orleans’ Spanish moss-shrouded City Park offers chicory coffee, beignets, crawfish bread, gumbo, alligator sausage, and jambalaya just a short walk away from the last remaining section of Bayou Metairie.

These Coffee Experiences result from three years of related travel, five years of research, and decades of travel and travel writing. These are the Best of the Best, the Coffee Experiences that surpassed all our expectations.

Linking the Coffee Experiences to history provides a unique approach to a city or country’s particular relationship to coffee. Coffee Experiences may be in the middle of, or adjacent to heavily touristed areas, but for the most part, they are places barely mentioned in guidebooks.

The Coffee Trail is full of curious twists and turns, spanning millennia and the rise and fall of great civilizations. Surviving bans from religions and regimes, coffee consumption has changed its style constantly to adapt to new customs, new physiologies, and new technologies with the driving mandates of better taste and more effective delivery systems for the physically and psychologically stimulating effects of caffeine.

All along the Coffee Trail, from Africa to Europe and the New World, each culture and country has added its own unique stamp to the passport of Coffee Experiences. This book is a journey through those countries and cultures with stopovers that are sometimes a reenactment, and sometimes a re-imagination of a unique time and place in the human history of coffee consumption.

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The Review

This was such a fascinating read. Like much of the population, I am a coffee drinker, but I didn’t always know that there could be a powerful history behind the cultivation of coffee beans throughout the world. The sheer volume of detail and insight the author provides is fascinating. The author explores different cultures and continents not only in terms of how the coffee bean has grown and evolved there but also how the consumption of coffee has evolved and grown over time. 

The balance of the beauty that photographer Ruth St. Steven captured with the imagery of the author’s writing style and the sense of adventure that this book brought made it such an engaging read. The book not only featured an eclectic collection of history and stories related to coffee, but each location the author explored came with recommendations for orders, recipes, and where to get coffee while there. 

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The Verdict

Equal parts reference book, guide, history, and adventure book, author Steven P. Unger’s “Black as Hell, Strong as Death, and Sweet as Love” is a must-read. The honesty, depth of knowledge, and thorough exploration of this subject, the locations where these products can be found, and the passion for coffee will instantly draw readers in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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Steven P. Unger has traveled extensively in North, South, and Central America; Western Europe; the Middle East; Africa; Istanbul; and Romania. He has been published in numerous travel and bicycling magazines. His book, In the Footsteps of Dracula: A Personal Journey and Travel Guide, 3rd Ed., traces the voyages and eventual flight of Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula from Transylvania to London and back in text and photographs, and pairs this journey with the life and times of Dracula’s real-life counterpart, Prince Vlad Dracula, or Vlad the Impaler.

Mr. Unger was an exchange student at a historically black college, Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, and later a member of the Bear Tribe, a California commune that tried sharecropping, goat herding, and living in teepees—and failed spectacularly at everything. These adventures and many more are described in his novel Dancing in the Streets.

He also wrote the accompanying text and Preface for Before the Paparazzi: Fifty Years of Extraordinary Photographs, which includes over 250 pictures taken by Arty Pomerantz, staff photographer and assignment editor for the New York Post from the 1960s through the early 1990s.

Appearances by the author for Before the Paparazzi, 50 Years of Extraordinary Photographs included a video of his co-author’s life and work. In October 2014 at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism, the author’s presentation was followed by a roundtable on contemporary photojournalism with members of the New York Press Club and the New York Press Photographers’ Association. This presentation was given at the New York City Fire Museum and the Bronx Documentary Center, and was one of four lectures for the 2015-2016 California State University, Sacramento, Friends of the Library Author Lecture Series.

He lives with Ruthie St. Steven and their terrier mix Bailey in Elk Grove, California.

From South Boston to Cambridge by Otis L Lee Jr Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Otis L. Lee Jr. shares the life experiences that defined his career and his life in the book From South Boston to Cambridge.

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The Synopsis

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Travel on a journey of evolution from naiveté as a child in the Jim Crow South, to self-actualization at “the Door of No Return,” on Goree Island, in Senegal, West Africa. Experience some of the travails of the lawyer as solo practitioner, the last of the Lone Rangers, a dying breed. This memoir, written in the nature of a novel, also includes a descriptive genealogical narrative of the Lee Family, one of Charlottesville, Virginia’s notable Black families. The solo practice of law in the big city, as well as in smaller towns, offers numerous learning and teachable moments. Maturing as a lawyer requires time, patience, perseverance and a sound strategy but in the solo practitioner’s case it also entails a unique occupational journey: From the apprentice lawyer to the journeymen lawyer the ritual of passage is the same regardless of race. Here, as in the military in a time of war, race is blurred by the need to learn and the will to survive and grow. Professional success requires relationships with strange bed fellows where many essential lessons are learned. The competence of the black professional is never assumed; it must be proven even to members of his own race. A curious paradox with roots buried deep in the American story. The politics of race starkly impacted the recent history of a major American city, Philadelphia-in the killing of a police officer, the incineration of a neighborhood and the election of that city’s first black mayor. Contrary to what many people may perceive, middle class black families have much in common with middle class white families. They encounter many of the same head winds except the resistance of color in American culture. As a consequence black middle class youth confront deeper issues affecting their journey toward the goal of attaining self-actualization; personal doubts, race acceptance and appreciation, skin color and complexion, obtaining a competitive education, not just an integrated education for the two are not the same; economic gamesmanship to master an unfriendly and demanding economic system, “equal opportunity” test challenging for all races but for the American of African descent all of this occurs in an unaccommodating culture, no less demanding especially the skill of converting income into wealth. From South Boston To Cambridge: The Making Of One Philadelphia Lawyer touches upon all of these themes in a tapestry of stories woven together around the life of one central character but by no means the only colorful character.

The Review

This was the author’s most personal and engaging read yet. The memoir perfectly balances the author’s life experiences with the cultural experiences of both the eras he lived through and the community he established along the way. The level of detail and precision with which the author recounted these experiences was amazing, showcasing the heightened focus and attention to detail that comes naturally as a former attorney. 

The numerous challenges the author faced throughout his life and career, and how he conquered those challenges, were inspiring. The emotional depth of the author’s experiences was also felt, as when a colleague at a Philadelphia law firm was held in contempt. The expertise he witnessed at his colleague’s treatment disillusioned the author with the recognition of true justice when his life and the lives of other people of color were not valued as much as others. The impact those experiences and realizations have on the author’s life plays out perfectly on the page.

The Verdict

Remarkable, astounding, and engaging, author Otis L Lee Jr’s “From South Boston to Cambridge” is a must-read nonfiction book and memoir. The honesty and relatability with which the author writes, as well as the plethora of experiences that helped define the author’s journey, will stay with readers as they delve further and further into the book. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Otis L. Lee, Jr., a remarkable African-American individual, defied the barriers imposed by segregation and Jim Crow laws to achieve remarkable personal and professional accomplishments. Mr. Lee made significant contributions as a co-author in a 1980 project by the Howard University School of Business, which involved revising and editing the U.S. Department of Commerce manual titled “Local Economic Development Corporation, Legal and Financial Guidelines.”

He was a member of both the Pennsylvania and Virginia Bar Associations. He also contributed his expertise to several universities in the Midwest and along the East Coast. Otis’s distinguished professional journey included significant roles, such as serving as a Trust New Business Solicitor at the Harris Trust and Savings Bank in Chicago, Illinois, as well as consulting the Mid-Atlantic Region Advanced Underwriting for the New York Life Insurance Company. Furthermore, Lee was the Associate Director of the Center For Small Business and served as a Panel Executive for the Panel on Product Liability for the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.

A retired attorney, he has now transitioned into an author who uses his powerful insights and experiences to inspire others. Through his writings, captivating video shorts, and engaging speaking engagements, Otis Lee, Jr. enlightens audiences with his unique perspective on resilience and triumph over adversity.

Lee’s 2013 debut memoir, “From South Boston to Cambridge: the Making of One Philadelphia Lawyer”, intricately weaves together a captivating narrative that chronicles his relentless pursuit of success, overcoming one obstacle after another. Within its pages, readers traverse alongside Lee, sharing in his profound emotions and experiences.

Published in 2019’s “The Last Train From Djibouti”, the story begins from an unassuming, yet metaphorical, location: a train voyage originating in Charlottesville, Virginia, bound for New York City’s Penn Station. For Otis, this journey recalls another train’s journey from distant times in a location many miles from home. Drawing inspiration from the accounts of Dr. Michelle Palmer Lee and her mentor, Dr. Harriett F. Karuhije, “The Last Train From Djibouti” brings us alongside these two women on a transformative odyssey, each embarking independently to the Motherland, spurred by a resolute desire to connect with Africa and self discovery. By artfully expositing passages from Michelle’s journal and Harriett’s recounting, Otis portrays a microcosm of the African-American struggle to unearth roots within a culture that underwent upheaval, crossed oceans and emerged anew.

Coming in 2024, Otis Lee’s latest title “Black Spartacus, I Was Born in the Forest: A Traveler’s Guide to Quilombo, Maroon Societies in Brazil” embodies the struggle for liberty by Africans who were transported to the Americas aboard slave ships, hailing from regions like Congo, Angola, and other parts of Central Africa.

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The Last Train from Djibouti by Otis L. Lee Jr Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

In author Otis L. Lee’s “The Last Train from Djibouti,” two women struggle with identity as they travel to Africa.

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The Synopsis

“The Last Train from Djibouti is an odyssey you will not forget.” —Larry Bechtel, author of The Tinsmith’s Apprentice and sculptor

Otis Lee begins this story in the most innocuous of locations: a train from Charlottesville, Virginia, to Penn Station in New York City. But for Otis this journey brings to mind another train, from long ago and far away—representative of a past to which there can be no return. Based on the true experiences of Dr. Michelle Palmer Lee and her mentor, Dr. Harriett F.  Karuhije, The Last Train From Djibouti follows two women on a life-changing adventure as they travel separately to the Motherland, determined to find Africa and themselves. What they find is nothing like what they expected. As these two women grapple with questions of identity and character, what emerges is a larger picture of what it means to undertake an “unrequited return.” Weaving entries from Michelle’s journal and Harriett’s observations together with his own research and experience, Otis depicts a microcosm of the African-American struggle to find roots in a culture that has been upended, shipped overseas, and become something new.

The Review

This was a thoughtful and engaging story. The author does a remarkable job of capturing the heart and drive of this narrative, speaking to the struggles of so many with the history and experiences their ancestors held when pulled away from their families at the height of the slave trade, and the need for identity when connecting to one’s roots. The presentation of this story and the author’s writing style are powerful and heartfelt, showing both detail and a deep understanding of the history of both America and Africa. 

It was great to see the author not only in the role of narrator throughout this narrative, but also in the depths of emotions. This is based on a true story that unfolds through the characters Michelle and Harriett. The struggles they both face when their expectations of their experiences are mired by their disillusionment when confronted with life’s realities make this a complex and engaging read. Yet the hopeful tone of the community they both found there and the realization of their experiences growing up in a more Western culture redefining what home truly is, made this a remarkable story to get lost in.

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and engaging, author Otis L. Lee Jr.’s “The Last Train from Djibouti” is a must-read. The amount of history balances out the rich character development and heartfelt delivery of the experiences shared in this narrative by the authors, keeping this a book readers won’t want to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Otis L. Lee, Jr., a remarkable African-American individual, defied the barriers imposed by segregation and Jim Crow laws to achieve remarkable personal and professional accomplishments. Mr. Lee made significant contributions as a co-author in a 1980 project by the Howard University School of Business, which involved revising and editing the U.S. Department of Commerce manual titled “Local Economic Development Corporation, Legal and Financial Guidelines.”

He was a member of both the Pennsylvania and Virginia Bar Associations. He also contributed his expertise to several universities in the Midwest and along the East Coast. Otis’s distinguished professional journey included significant roles, such as serving as a Trust New Business Solicitor at the Harris Trust and Savings Bank in Chicago, Illinois, as well as consulting the Mid-Atlantic Region Advanced Underwriting for the New York Life Insurance Company. Furthermore, Lee was the Associate Director of the Center For Small Business and served as a Panel Executive for the Panel on Product Liability for the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.

A retired attorney, he has now transitioned into an author who uses his powerful insights and experiences to inspire others. Through his writings, captivating video shorts, and engaging speaking engagements, Otis Lee, Jr. enlightens audiences with his unique perspective on resilience and triumph over adversity.

Lee’s 2013 debut memoir, “From South Boston to Cambridge: the Making of One Philadelphia Lawyer”, intricately weaves together a captivating narrative that chronicles his relentless pursuit of success, overcoming one obstacle after another. Within its pages, readers traverse alongside Lee, sharing in his profound emotions and experiences.

Published in 2019’s “The Last Train From Djibouti”, the story begins from an unassuming, yet metaphorical, location: a train voyage originating in Charlottesville, Virginia, bound for New York City’s Penn Station. For Otis, this journey recalls another train’s journey from distant times in a location many miles from home. Drawing inspiration from the accounts of Dr. Michelle Palmer Lee and her mentor, Dr. Harriett F. Karuhije, “The Last Train From Djibouti” brings us alongside these two women on a transformative odyssey, each embarking independently to the Motherland, spurred by a resolute desire to connect with Africa and self discovery. By artfully expositing passages from Michelle’s journal and Harriett’s recounting, Otis portrays a microcosm of the African-American struggle to unearth roots within a culture that underwent upheaval, crossed oceans and emerged anew.

Coming in 2024, Otis Lee’s latest title “Black Spartacus, I Was Born in the Forest: A Traveler’s Guide to Quilombo, Maroon Societies in Brazil” embodies the struggle for liberty by Africans who were transported to the Americas aboard slave ships, hailing from regions like Congo, Angola, and other parts of Central Africa.

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I Was Born in the Forest by Otis L. Lee Jr Review 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Otis L Lee Jr shares the story of the town of Palmares, a settlement established in the mountains of Brazil for Africans who escaped enslavement in the 17th century to form their own Afrocentric community and hold onto their freedom in the book “I Was Born in the Forest.”

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The Synopsis

I Was Born in the Forest encapsulates the freedom struggle of Africans brought to the Americas in the bowels of slave ships from Congo, Angola, and other parts of Central Africa. In the seventeenth century, many defied the odds by escaping and establishing Afrocentric communities in the mountains in Brazil. Palmares, the most notable among them, existed from 1605 to 1694.

Palmares was the forerunner of Black towns in America, and its mesmerizing leader, Zumbi, belongs among the pantheon of heroic African-descended leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Francois Dominique Toussaint Louverture, and many others. He and his people rose from nothing in a hostile, foreign land to create an enduring Black republic in colonial Brazil.

Palmares and Zumbi have become transcendent icons of hope, perseverance, and the tenacity of African-descended people and all colonialized peoples who strive for and refuse to accept anything but unfettered freedom. Through a mix of travelogue and history, their story comes alive.

The Review

This was such an insightful and engaging read. The author was able to both entertain and educate readers on a subject that is so very rarely discussed, honing in on the African communities established in other countries such as Brazil during a time when so many were taken and enslaved in what would become the United States. The level of detail the author provides gives such a clear picture of the impact slavery had on everyone, especially in South American countries like Brazil, including elements such as the impact religion had on both those brought in as slave labor and the slavers themselves. 

What stood out to me was something the author touched upon early on in the book, which was the assertion that African slave labor brought into the Americas was all docile and compliant to their captors, when in reality, that was not the case. The fight and actions of the community of Palmares, especially their final leader Zumbi, were not only inspiring to an entire community of people, but the author also explored in depth how these actions created myths and legends that would help inspire future battles for freedom and independence. 

The Verdict

Powerful, educational, and insightful, author Otis L Lee Jr’s “I Was Born in the Forest” was a must-read nonfiction history book. The reality is this information isn’t the kind of education taught widely in schools, especially in our modern world, where education regarding this subject matter is being heavily censored, and the wealth of information and guidance this bit of history can provide the rest of the world is more important than ever before. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Otis L. Lee, Jr., a remarkable African-American individual, defied the barriers imposed by segregation and Jim Crow laws to achieve remarkable personal and professional accomplishments. Mr. Lee made significant contributions as a co-author in a 1980 project by the Howard University School of Business, which involved revising and editing the U.S. Department of Commerce manual titled “Local Economic Development Corporation, Legal and Financial Guidelines.”

He was a member of both the Pennsylvania and Virginia Bar Associations. He also contributed his expertise to several universities in the Midwest and along the East Coast. Otis’s distinguished professional journey included significant roles, such as serving as a Trust New Business Solicitor at the Harris Trust and Savings Bank in Chicago, Illinois, as well as consulting the Mid-Atlantic Region Advanced Underwriting for the New York Life Insurance Company. Furthermore, Lee was the Associate Director of the Center For Small Business and served as a Panel Executive for the Panel on Product Liability for the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.

A retired attorney, he has now transitioned into an author who uses his powerful insights and experiences to inspire others. Through his writings, captivating video shorts, and engaging speaking engagements, Otis Lee, Jr. enlightens audiences with his unique perspective on resilience and triumph over adversity.

Lee’s 2013 debut memoir, “From South Boston to Cambridge: the Making of One Philadelphia Lawyer”, intricately weaves together a captivating narrative that chronicles his relentless pursuit of success, overcoming one obstacle after another. Within its pages, readers traverse alongside Lee, sharing in his profound emotions and experiences.

Published in 2019’s “The Last Train From Djibouti”, the story begins from an unassuming, yet metaphorical, location: a train voyage originating in Charlottesville, Virginia, bound for New York City’s Penn Station. For Otis, this journey recalls another train’s journey from distant times in a location many miles from home. Drawing inspiration from the accounts of Dr. Michelle Palmer Lee and her mentor, Dr. Harriett F. Karuhije, “The Last Train From Djibouti” brings us alongside these two women on a transformative odyssey, each embarking independently to the Motherland, spurred by a resolute desire to connect with Africa and self discovery. By artfully expositing passages from Michelle’s journal and Harriett’s recounting, Otis portrays a microcosm of the African-American struggle to unearth roots within a culture that underwent upheaval, crossed oceans and emerged anew.

Coming in 2024, Otis Lee’s latest title “Black Spartacus, I Was Born in the Forest: A Traveler’s Guide to Quilombo, Maroon Societies in Brazil” embodies the struggle for liberty by Africans who were transported to the Americas aboard slave ships, hailing from regions like Congo, Angola, and other parts of Central Africa.

https://otislee.com/

Killswitch Overkill by Mark Everglade Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

In author Mark Everglade’s upcoming sci-fi novel Killswitch Overkill, a woman haunted by her past must find a way to redeem herself and save a world while facing rogue assassins, drones, and an AI hellbent on taking over her mind.

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The Synopsis

Sabrina Underfoot is no hero. After attacking the largest cities on Gliese 581g, she contributed to a chain reaction that flooded half the world. Poisoned with power, she’s dying to redeem herself, but when the world’s most dangerous A.I. hijacks her mind to end humanity, dying may be the price she pays. When the world is issuing its dying breath, there’s little left to grasp.

Gliese 581g is an unforgiving world where bio-cities get viruses, where you can download your friends’ emotions as easily as swapping clothes, and where half the planet is so flooded you can leap off a skyscraper and hit the water a second later.

Sabrina must restore balance, extract the malevolent Id.Entity from her mind, and find redemption while being hunted by assassins, surveilled by drones, and fired upon by droids. The final battle must be fought within herself, however, by restoring her faith in love and friendship and finding the strength to forgive and accept herself. She’ll have to trust old enemies, form new alliances, and save a mysterious child who may hold the key to everything.

“It’s Waterworld meets Neuromancer, with a touch of The Sixth Sense.”

The Review

Such an exhilarating and memorable read. The author does a remarkable job of creating morally complex characters, giving readers a protagonist struggling with her past choices but seeing the moral high ground in this scenario. As the prologue begins, “I have been a keeper of secrets, you know, those little sunspots that burn holes in your soul until they become solar flares forcing their way out under the pressure of your lies. Mine were honeyed lies sprinkled with just enough truth that the masses believed them, and I was good at it,” showcasing a dynamic hero and protagonist that feels real and tangible on the page.

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This is such a layered and visceral read. The author perfectly navigates a devastated planet and the themes of over-reliance on technology, highlighting the dangers of depending on technology for everything in one’s life. The imagery in the writing and the adrenaline rush that came with each chapter as the story progressed spoke to a firm understanding of the cyberpunk and sci-fi genres, which felt evenly paced yet detailed in its delivery. 

The Verdict

A STUNNING BLEND OF Jason Bourne, The Day After Tomorrow, and Blade Runner, author Mark Everglade’s upcoming cyberpunk meets sci-fi thriller “Killswitch Overkill” is a must-read novel. The twists and turns that the author took to keep this narrative alive and thriving on the page, and the rich style of world-building and mythos that went into breathing life into this narrative, made this a stand-out novel that readers won’t soon forget. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy this May!

Rating: 10/10 

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About the Author

Mark Everglade is a traditionally published cyberpunk author who has written four novels. He has sold thousands of books, with his first novel hitting #5 in its genre. Inertia won the 2024 Fire and Ember Award for best sci-fi novel from a small publisher. His first novel about the horrors of A.I., inspired by his former wife’s ideas, was ironically used to develop A.I. vocal narration software for a major firm. His short stories have been featured beside authors such as Cory Doctorow, Cat Rambo, Walter Jon Williams, and Jim Keen. After spending his life studying sociology, obtaining a master’s, he has been interviewed dozens of times by venues such as NBC News, a British radio station, and by a BBC correspondent.

Mark has enmeshed himself in everything cyberpunk and assisted with the co-founding of Annual Cyberpunk Day, which unites the community with both major and indie cyberpunk media creators to celebrate the genre and its diverse values. He has designed book covers for cyberpunk legend John Shirley.

Mark owns a company that publishes dystopian book bundles as featured on Gamespot, Fanatical, and other sites, selling over 25,000 books annually. He has worked on a project with Humble Bundle, and has represented publishers’ interests on behalf of Macmillian/TOR, Astra/DAW, Apex, Angry Robot, and other presses.

Mark’s ancestor invented the field of psychology. In his free time, he enjoys DnD and RPGs, Chess, Jazz and Progressive Metal music, and anything postmodern and profound.

Mark lost both his wife and young son in late 2024 during a tragic car crash that took their lives, but continues to write and look for new ways to spread their legacy. He will be publishing a book of his late wife’s poetry.

https://www.markeverglade.com/

The Diva of Mud Flats by Jonni Jordyn Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A famed galactic opera singer finds herself stuck on a dusty moon and forced to evade gangsters looking to ransom her off in author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Diva of Mud Flats”.

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The Synopsis

Prima Donna Francesca Vittoria Agostina La Perla is an even bigger snob than her name might suggest. She earned the title of the greatest soprano of the known universe and she expects the universe to treat her as a queen.

But when she is travelling to an empire known to love opera, her tickets are unceremoniously voided and she gets dumped on a dusty dude ranch moon, unable to access her funds. Being forced to live below her standards is bad enough, but she finds herself targeted by gangsters who think they can collect a ransom for her.

This wacky romcom follows her rescue by an odd assortment of misfits including a down on his luck pirate and ends with her telling the emperor just what she thinks of his hospitality.

The Review

This was a fun and imaginative read. The author did an excellent job creating a vibrant and alive narrative on the page, with a storied mythos spanning an entire universe that felt tangible and engaging. The natural way the sci-fi elements of the story, from warring galactic empires and new planets to specifics like galactic currencies and themed moon resorts, were integrated into the story was so fun to see come to life in this narrative. 

The heart of this story was in the unique and fun character development that made this vibrant universe feel so alive. The humor and the wit between the characters kept the pacing fast and the story engaging. The Prima Donna is quite the character, living up to her name with her impossible demands and a better-than-everyone attitude. Readers feel for those who work for her immediately, especially her assistant Elizabeth, and the unique journey they must take together as they get caught up in this galactic series of misadventures. 

The Verdict

Humorous, well-balanced, and thoroughly entertaining, author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Diva of Mud Flats” is a surprisingly entertaining romantic comedy in a deeply sci-fi setting. The imagery of the galactic setting the story takes place in, the mashup of gangsters, royalty, celebrities, and galactic empires all converging into one wacky narrative, and the rich mythos the story builds will keep readers invested until the end. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jonni Jordyn, an award winning American author born in Oakland, Ca, started out playing music at age two, and moved on to singing and acting in grade school. High School introduced writing and film making followed by drawing and photography in college. In other words, she had a VERY LIBERAL arts education.

Jonni published some poetry and some india ink drawings in literary magazines while in college, won critical acclaim for her acting in a cabaret theater, but was faced with a decision to pick out the arts she wanted to pursue.

Of all the available opportunities, music and song writing won the first round when she found herself performing with legendary stars of the sixties and seventies.

Round two began years later, after leaving California for Arizona. It all started with a blank piece of paper and the question, “how can I possibly write more than eleven thousand words for a single story?” A valid question which was followed up a year later with, “How did I ever write 160,000 words?”

Now, the writing comes much easier, but still there are questions like, “How will I ever get all these ideas written down?” followed closely by, “How many times can I edit the same book?”

Jonni currently lives in Colorado with her bird.

https://www.jordynatlargebooks.com/